Seawatch residents await Brunswick community's fate

A sign in the Seawatch at Sunset Harbor gated community marks the location of the future site of the Nautica Bridge that is overgrown and still with no bridge to connect parts of the community on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.

Published: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 3:52 a.m.

It's been quiet at Seawatch at Sunset Harbor in the nearly four months since Bank of America acquired about 860 parcels of land in Brunswick County held by The Coastal Companies and Mark Saunders.

Facts

Who is Mark Saunders?

Mark Saunders was at one time the largest developer in Brunswick County, holding almost 1,200 lots. In the wake of the 2008 real estate bust, his work was brought to a halt.But he hasn't filed bankruptcy, like other developers, he says. However, many of his developments await unfinished infrastructure work, much to the ire of property owners who are unable to build on or sell their lots.In January, Saunders won a battle with the county over the tax valuation of his land, which he said severely hindered him during the last five years. After the win, Saunders said he would again start building what he once promised.

A little too quiet, residents and property owners say.

“I am worried,” said resident Marilyn Holcomb. “We have heard nothing official from either Bank of America or Coastal.”

Rumors swirl amongst residents at The Coastal Companies developments about what could happen at their developments in the wake of an out-of-court settlement with the bank.

Elaine Jordan, attorney for The Coastal Companies, could not be reached for comment. And Bank of American representatives said no decisions have been made at this time regarding the marketing of the properties.

But Coastal Companies representatives and Saunders have said they will finish the obligations they started – and the company has made progress elsewhere.

Nonetheless, owners worry because it's information they said they have heard for years from the company.

“We are in limbo,” said resident Denise Hartung.

To get work finished on infrastructure developments, the county filed suit filed seeking the money to complete improvements to the three developments – Ocean Isle Palms, Seawatch at Sunset Harbor and Ocean Ridge Plantation.

Saunders has said Brunswick County is tying his hands.

But County Attorney Huey Marshall said the suit will remain active as long as there is no work done at the developments.

“We could care less who finishes it as long as those lots go up for sale,” he said.

Hartung said she has started not to care about what she called the “excuses.” She added there is no telling who to turn to now.

“I'm trying to sell my place,” Hartung said. “We have heard the game has changed, but there is no road work nor any amenities. They called the bonds is Saunders excuse now.”

For other residents, the addition of Bank of America is the biggest source of anxiety.

Holcomb said she has every intention in living at Seawatch and added Saunders had crafted beautiful homes before work stopped.

“But it all worries us,” she said. “Not knowing what kind of guidelines in terms of building, how much the lots will be sold for, what type of homes will be built and will there be any type of architectural review by the bank.”

If it's any indication of Saunders' plans, work has begun at other developments to finish infrastructure.

The Coastal Companies have worked with the towns of Sunset Beach and Shallotte to get work done at River's Edge Golf Club and Plantation and Jaguar's Lair.

Sunset Beach Councilwoman Karen Joseph said Saunders has met all deadlines the town has set for him.

“So far Coastal has been working well with the town,” she said.

Shallotte Town Manager Albert Hughes also said Saunders is on deadline.

<p>It's been quiet at Seawatch at Sunset Harbor in the nearly four months since Bank of America acquired about 860 parcels of land in Brunswick County held by The Coastal Companies and Mark Saunders. </p><p>A little too quiet, residents and property owners say.</p><p>“I am worried,” said resident Marilyn Holcomb. “We have heard nothing official from either Bank of America or Coastal.”</p><p>Rumors swirl amongst residents at The Coastal Companies developments about what could happen at their developments in the wake of an out-of-court settlement with the bank.</p><p>Elaine Jordan, attorney for The Coastal Companies, could not be reached for comment. And Bank of American representatives said no decisions have been made at this time regarding the marketing of the properties. </p><p>But Coastal Companies representatives and Saunders have said they will finish the obligations they started – and the company has made progress elsewhere.</p><p>Nonetheless, owners worry because it's information they said they have heard for years from the company.</p><p>“We are in limbo,” said resident Denise Hartung.</p><p>To get work finished on infrastructure developments, the county filed suit filed seeking the money to complete improvements to the three developments – Ocean Isle Palms, Seawatch at Sunset Harbor and Ocean Ridge Plantation.</p><p>Saunders has said Brunswick County is tying his hands.</p><p>But County Attorney Huey Marshall said the suit will remain active as long as there is no work done at the developments.</p><p>“We could care less who finishes it as long as those lots go up for sale,” he said.</p><p>Hartung said she has started not to care about what she called the “excuses.” She added there is no telling who to turn to now.</p><p>“I'm trying to sell my place,” Hartung said. “We have heard the game has changed, but there is no road work nor any amenities. They called the bonds is Saunders excuse now.”</p><p>For other residents, the addition of Bank of America is the biggest source of anxiety.</p><p>Holcomb said she has every intention in living at Seawatch and added Saunders had crafted beautiful homes before work stopped.</p><p>“But it all worries us,” she said. “Not knowing what kind of guidelines in terms of building, how much the lots will be sold for, what type of homes will be built and will there be any type of architectural review by the bank.”</p><p>If it's any indication of Saunders' plans, work has begun at other developments to finish infrastructure.</p><p>The Coastal Companies have worked with the towns of Sunset Beach and Shallotte to get work done at River's Edge Golf Club and Plantation and Jaguar's Lair.</p><p>Sunset Beach Councilwoman Karen Joseph said Saunders has met all deadlines the town has set for him.</p><p>“So far Coastal has been working well with the town,” she said.</p><p>Shallotte Town Manager Albert Hughes also said Saunders is on deadline.</p><p>“They're living up to their end of the bargain so far,” he said.</p><p><i></p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9907"><b>Jason Gonzales</b></a>: 343-2075</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @StarNews_Jason</i></p>